Enjoyed by some 3.5 million people, Cavalia is a unique and lavish production involving 50 magnificent horses and featuring 42 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians from all over the world. A show unlike any other, Cavalia celebrates the relationship between humans and horses, virtually reinventing the equestrian arts.
Created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia is now playing under the gleaming White Big Top next to Petco Park until December 16. In addition, San Diego will be home to the critically acclaimed multimedia production for the holiday season with shows scheduled from December 22 to December 30.
“We enjoy Southern California so much we decided to call it our home for the holidays and are excited to spend one of the most joyful times of the year in San Diego,” said Normand Latourelle. “Cavalia has a long time local following in San Diego since its initial visit in 2004. That is why we chose America’s Finest City for the last stop of our North American tour before traveling to the land Down Under for our first ever Australian tour in early 2013.”
In the show, spectators are drawn into a dream-like world, as horses and artists interact in front of a constantly 
changing 200-foot-wide digital projection screen. Delightful, thrilling and poignant, Cavalia explores humankind’s longstanding relationship with the horse. Juxtaposed with the vibrancy of the production is a subtle thematic line that takes audiences through the evolution of horses and human’s interaction with them. The tone of the show, embraced by the entire company, is one of mutual respect, kindness, patience, and trust.
The 11 breeds, including Spanish Purebred, Quarter Horse, Paint and Lusitano, traveled to Golden Eagle Farm in Ramona, California, for a few days of leisure prior to arriving in San Diego last month. Before, during and after transport, a 20-person stables team including a Veterinary Technician, grooms and Farrier create a comfortable environment and provide daily health care, grooming and activity. Once settled in their 16,500 square foot stables, the horses each have a designated box with enough space to stretch, lie down, sprawl out, roll and relax. They always have the same neighbors to ensure that their environment is familiar and comfortable in each city.
Every day horses get their share of pampering, including a shower, grooming, massage, workshops with their riders and outings to the paddocks where they roam and play. The performance aspect for each horse lasts roughly 12 minutes. The rest of their daily activities include warm-up, recoup, grooming and free time.
Whether it’s a family activity or a date night, Cavalia is sure to please people of all ages. View the extended performance schedule online.
Tickets are available at www.cavalia.net or by calling 1-866-999-8111 and cost $39.50 to $229.50 + applicable taxes and fees.
For large families, check out this promotion: Buy 5 Tickets, get 5 Tickets free!
Of special note: Cavalia has extended their Black Friday promotion until December 19th. Purchase over $75 in the Cavalia boutique and receive a free 2013 Cavalia calendar.
Images courtesy of Cavalia.
